Re: The battle for Taiwan

[Eric McDonald <mcdonald at phy dot cmich dot edu>]

Lincoln Peters wrote:

> Except that, if we do it your way, there is no variability in when the
> units appear.  

I was proposing another way to address Henry Cobb's earlier question to 
the list, which as far as I could tell, did not involve variability in 
the turn of appearance. "My way" is essentially as twisted as the 
Meeks-Ronne Method, and it was proposed in jest. Using the existing 
mechanism ("appear", IIRC) is likely the best way to achieve what he wanted.

> If you want barbarian invaders to start appearing at
> random intervals but after at least 100 turns, you can add that
> randomness by using Elijah's method.  

Yes, I am aware of that. I read his message.

For variability in the turn of appearance, Elijah's idea is quite novel 
and creative. Good thinking, Elijah.

> I think that what Xconq should really have is a mechanism for generating
> independent units that appear in random places at random times.

I suggested that before (and not just for independent units), and I 
believe you were the one who assumed that I meant random unit types as 
well. The disucussion took place on the list last November or December, 
if I am correct in the rememberance.

> Although in many cases, additional constraints would be required (it
> would rarely make sense for a barbarian horde to spontaneously appear
> adjacent to your capital city, for example).

IIRC, one thing I think I suggested to address this issue was starting 
zones (such as countries). In the case of indep units, one could require 
a minimum separation distance from any units belonging to a player side; 
or, at least, that has been my private thinking on the issue, wrt 
Wreckreation.

Eric